Houston Arroyo Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 4, 2026

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Houston Arroyo Dam, located in Valencia, New Mexico, is a privately-owned structure designed by the Bureau of Reclamation to serve the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Houston Arroyo.


Summary

Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, with a length of 2940 feet and a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in February 2015.

Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, the Houston Arroyo Dam faces challenges with its condition and hazard potential, indicating a need for maintenance and possibly rehabilitation. The dam's spillway, with a width of 48 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates consist of Needle - 0 design. The dam's location in an unincorporated area further highlights the importance of ensuring its safety and functionality to protect surrounding communities and the environment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the state-regulated nature of the dam, its risk assessment rating of moderate, and the involvement of the Bureau of Reclamation in its design underscores the complex interplay between infrastructure, water management, and safety. With its historical significance dating back over five decades, the Houston Arroyo Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for proactive maintenance and risk management strategies to safeguard water resources and communities in the face of changing climate conditions.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

2940

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

HOUSTON ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Drainage Area

0.86

Nid Storage

215

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.